GENTLE FOLK
Gentle Folk Wines is a highly regarded small winery based in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia, founded by Gareth and Rainbo Belton. Known for their laid-back yet deeply thoughtful approach, Gentle Folk has become one of the most influential names in Australia’s modern natural-leaning wine movement — producing wines that are vibrant, honest, and full of personality.
Gareth Belton, a marine biologist-turned-viticulturist, began making wine in 2013 after studying oenology and viticulture at the University of Adelaide. The couple now farms several small, high-altitude vineyard sites in the Basket Range, Piccadilly Valley, and surrounding hills, all managed organically and with minimal intervention. Their philosophy is grounded in respect for the land and the belief that good wine is made in the vineyard — with minimal fining, filtration, or additions in the cellar.
Gentle Folk produces a wide range of wines, from crisp, textural whites to delicate, aromatic reds, often made in small batches. Highlights include their Basket Range Pinot Noir, Vin de Soif Gamay, Village Chardonnay, and the ever-popular Rainbow Juice — a fun, juicy blend that perfectly captures the winery’s playful spirit. While the wines are approachable and fresh, they also carry a clear sense of Adelaide Hills terroir, marked by bright acidity, purity of fruit, and fine texture.
Their cellar door in Basket Range offers an intimate experience, surrounded by native bushland and vines, where visitors can taste through current releases and enjoy the relaxed, community-focused atmosphere that defines the region’s new-wave producers.
In essence, Gentle Folk embodies the new face of Australian wine — a mix of authenticity, sustainability, and creativity. The Beltons’ commitment to farming by hand, letting nature guide the process, and crafting wines that are both soulful and delicious has earned them a devoted following among sommeliers, collectors, and casual drinkers alike.
